Understand

Kuttralam is located in the Tirunelveli district of South India. It is famous for its numerous waterfalls. You can literally find people running around and taking bath in waterfalls with towels on their shoulders. The waterfalls are fed by the monsoon, colloquially referred to as "Kuttralam Season". Due to its location and relative cheap expenses, it is often referred to as "Poor man's paradise".The best time to visit is mid-June to September and October-January.

Kuttralam is also mentioned in many classical tamil literary works.

Get in

Kuttralam is a famous location is Tamil Nadu, so getting in is not a problem.

By Air

Madurai is the nearest airport, which has flights connecting to Chennai. You can reach Kuttralam by bus, train or by hiring a taxi from Madurai. The journey takes about 3 hours.

There is also an airport at Tuticorin(90km) which has infrequent flights.

By Rail

Tenkasi is the nearest rail head. It is connected to Chennai and Tirunelveli by frequent services. You can hire a taxi or an auto from Tenkasi Railway Station to reach Kuttralam.

By Road

Kuttralam is situated about 200km from Madurai, 65 km from Tirunelveli and 5 km from Tenkasi. Tenkasi is a bustling town, which has decent bus services to many parts in south Tamil Nadu. Alternatively, special buses operated by the government ply directly to Kuttralam during the season.

By boat

Though there are numerous waterfalls, they are only from small streams. So, Kuttralam does not have a pier. The nearest seaport is at Tuticorin.

Get around

By Auto

Auto Rickshaws (trishaw or Tuk-tuk) are available at every corner and near the waterfalls. They can be used to effectively see the various waterfalls within the place.

By Car

Hiring a cab is a common mode of transport. The common waterfalls have parking facilities with nominal charges, so it is advisable to hire a cab.

See

Whereever you turn, you will see people with towels moving about. There are numerous waterfalls in Kuttralam which offer beautiful and scenic moments to experience.

Main Falls

This waterfall is located close to the bus stand, and greets you as you enter Kuttralam. It is usually crowded during the season, and you can take bath here 24 hours a day. It is a beautiful waterfall of about 130 feet.

Kutraleeshwarar temple

Close to the Main falls is the temple dedicated to Lord Kuttraleeshwarar. It is common for the locals to take bath in the falls and offer prayers here.

Sittraruvi

Sittraruvi or "Small Falls" is an offshoot of the Main falls located to its side. It is very small and completely safe to enjoy a shower here.

Shenbagadevi

This beautiful falls is located upstream and as part of the cascade that forms the Main falls. You can reach shenbagadevi only by trekking for about 30 minutes. Entry to this falls is restricted during peak season due to flash floods and unruly behaviour of the crowd.

Thenaruvi

Located even above Shenbagadevi is the serene Thenaruvi or "Heney Falls". This is the first cascade in a series of waterfalls, and considered the most pure. Ostinably, it is least crowded, as you have to trek for more the 2 hours to reach this falls. Entry to this falls is also restricted during peak season owing to flash floods.

Five Falls

After the main falls, this is the most famous waterfalls and definitely the most enjoyable of all. It is located 6km from the main falls. The water here splits into five branches while falling, so it is called "Five falls"

Old Courtallam

This is not a historic place, but there is a waterfall here too! This waterfall is maintained by the PWD by controlling the waterflow.

Tiger falls

This is located between Old courtallam and Main falls. This falls is located in a private property, which is charges people to take bath.

Do

Kuttralam is located away from the city's bustle, so you can unwind and relax here. The town gets crowded during the season, as people pour in to experience for the "Kuttralam experience".

Obviously, the must thing to do in Kuttralam is take bath! Facilities are available at all the falls for safe bathing with seperate facilities for women, and even police presence! This is required as a precaution as number of people come in during the season, and the crowd could get out of hand.

Buy

Local handicrafts and souvenirs are available.Fruits like Rambootan,Mangoostan, are available.

Eat

There are numerous hotels in the town, being a tourist spot. The cuisine is traditonally South Indian with limited options for others.

Drink

There are numerous tea-shops for a hot sip of tea or coffee.

Alcohol is served in bars and also by government run "TASMAC" shops. Please be aware that public comsumption is prohibited, and you could get into trouble.

Sleep

There are resorts, hotels, lodges available both in Tenkasi and Kuttralam. They have differential rates during the peak season.